As the year draws to a close and we enter a season centered on gratitude and connection, I nd myself re ecting on the many people who give their time and talents to strengthen our community. Taylorsville is fortunate to have an exceptional network of volunteers who help keep our programs running, support our events, preserve our history and contribute in ways both visible and behind the scenes.
Their service enriches the lives of all who live and work here, and I want to share my sincere appreciation for everything they do. This gratitude was especially present at our recent Volunteer Appreciation Picnic at Centennial Plaza. It was our most well-attended gathering in several years and provided a warm, relaxed setting to thank those who serve on city committees and support initiatives throughout the year.
I enjoyed the chance to visit with volunteers and hear about their experiences. Many shared how meaningful it is to be part of something that brings people together and helps the community thrive. That spirit of connection is one of the things I value most about Taylorsville.
Among those honored at the picnic were long-time volunteers Connie Taney and Margaret Player, who have dedicated decades to caring for the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center. An article about their service is available now on our city website and will appear in next month’s edition of this paper. I invite you to read their story, which re ects the deeper commitment so many of our volunteers bring to the work they do. I am grateful for them and for the many residents who make such a di erence in our community.
In Taylorsville, some of our residents serve year-round as committee members or event organizers. Others step in when needs arise or lend support to speci c projects. Some share professional skills, while others o er time, creativity or energy. Each contribution strengthens the fabric of our city and helps create the welcoming, supportive environment we enjoy.
If you have ever considered volunteering, I encourage you to explore the opportunities available. Taylorsville has committees focused on arts, history, parks and recreation and more. These groups are always looking for participants, and even a small commitment can make a genuine di erence. You can learn more and sign up to volunteer on our city website at www. taylorsvilleut.gov under the Our City and Committees and Volunteers tabs.
To all who have served this past year, thank you. Your dedication is a gift to our city. I hope the coming year brings many opportunities to continue working together!
—Mayor Kristie S. Overson
WHAT’S INSIDE – DECEMBER 2025
Frequently Called Numbers, Page 2
Council Corner, Page 3
TVPD News, Page 4
Heritage Remembrances, Page 7
Environment, Page 8
Taylorsville Rings in the Holidays with Festivities, Veterans’ Tribute
Taylorsville is celebrating the holidays with several events for residents of all ages. From festive gatherings to honoring veterans, there are plenty of ways to join in the December cheer.
The holiday season kicks off with the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Centennial Plaza, set for Monday, Dec. 1. Then, Santa Claus is coming to town with Saturday with Santa at the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South, on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 2 to 4 p.m.
This beloved event features children’s crafts, games, participation prizes, tasty treats and hot beverages. Guest singers and choirs will also perform, while Santa makes a special appearance to greet attendees. This annual tradition is sponsored by the Taylorsville Historic Preservation Committee with support from the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Also, this month is National Wreaths Across America Day, honoring veterans in the community. The indoor ceremony at City Hall is scheduled to take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, followed by the outdoor laying of wreaths at Taylorsville City Cemetery, 4567 S. Redwood Road, around 11 a.m. Join the Taylorsville Youth Council, local JROTC and Honor365 in placing wreaths on all 281 veterans’ graves.
A couple of pictures from past years accompany this story, and look for images of this year’s festivities on these pages next month. We hope you have a joyous holiday season and a happy new year!
Taylorsville Recreation Center ......................................... 385-468-1732
Swimming Pool (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 801-967-5006
Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center 801-281-0631
UDOT Region 2
801-975-4900
Utah Transit Authority (UTA) 801-743-3882
EVENTS
DECEMBER 2025
Dec. 1 – 6:30 p.m.
Tree Lighting Ceremony @ Centennial Plaza. Also enjoy music, hot chocolate and cookies. It’s a free event!
Dec. 3 and 17– 6:30 p.m. City Council Meeting @ City Hall.
Dec. 5 – 7:30 p.m.
Orchestra Concert @ Bennion Junior High School. The Taylorsville-SLCC Symphony Orchestra's Christmas Concert rings in the holidays. Admission is free.
Dec. 6 – 2 to 4 p.m.
Saturday with Santa @ the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center, 1488 W. 4800 South. This event is also free!
Dec. 9 – 6:30 p.m.
Planning Commission Meeting @ City Hall.
Dec. 13 – 10 a.m.
Wreaths Across America Day @ City Hall and the Taylorsville City Cemetery. This two-part ceremony honoring veterans begins at City Hall, followed by the laying of wreaths around 11 a.m. at the cemetery, 4567 S. Redwood Road.
Dec. 25 – all day
Christmas Day. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays! City Hall will reopen on Friday, Dec. 26.
Find our calendar of events every month on the city’s website, where you can also submit your own events for possible publication. Go to www.taylorsvilleut.gov
December 13, 2025
COUNCIL CORNER
By Council Member Bob Knudsen
Holiday Classics Shine a Light on the Power of Everyday Kindness
This time of year can be special, helping us to turn our thoughts and actions outward toward others so we can see what we can do. There are some examples from Christmas movies that I love watching each year, which help to remind me of some of these important lessons.
For the rst, I would like to look at the example of Ebenezer Scrooge from Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Dickens starts o his work describing the central character Scrooge as a miserly old man, who looked only at himself and disregarded those around him. Doing this helped him to attain a level of wealth that was good for him, but he seemed to ignore those around him in need.
After he is visited by the spirit of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, he is then visited by the Spirits of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.
Through these visitations, Scrooge is reminded of his lost childhood and loss of his ancée. He also sees how many around him have joy, despite limited means, and how he has been viewed by some of his own family, nally realizing what may happen if his course were not corrected.
At the end of Scrooge’s time with the Spirit of Christmas Yet to Come, he realizes he can change the visions he saw of his own lonely death, as well as the loss in the family of his bookkeeper, Bob Cratchit, by changing himself. To that end, Scrooge resolved to do and be better, changing how he regarded his employee, Bob, and he stepped in to become a second father to Tiny Tim, which helped to preserve the life of the young child.
As to the second movie, I like to look at the story that was popularized by Frank Capra’s movie, “It’s a Wonderful Life,” which incorporated the short story “The Greatest Gift” by Phillip Van Doren Stern. The main character, George Bailey, learns of a massive financial problem for which he is ultimately responsible to correct. In his haste, and anger, he wishes that he had never been born, a wish that is ful lled and he is able to see what the world may have been without him.
George sees that in his own sphere, helping his family and friends, serving his community, he had a large part in blessing the lives of many around him. Although he was in trouble, he
realized that being in that state was better for everyone than if he had never been around. His state of life is returned, where he had lived, and the problem he was facing found a resolution.
The main lesson that I like to glean from these is that even when we are in trouble, or may be experiencing hardship, there are others who need us, and we need to be doing our best to help those around us. We can all do good for those around if we seek the opportunities to serve.
Ralph Waldo Emerson shared, “You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.” I encourage all to resolve to be friends to those in need. Serve your family, friends, neighbors, all around as best you can. We can continue in building the best world that we can, so long as we all lift together and help one another.
Artists Share Stories and Inspiration at Evening of Art
Taylorsville residents enjoyed a vibrant night of creativity at the latest Evening of Art, held Oct. 20 at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. The free event featured presentations by three talented artists: Tyler Swain, Nate Brimhall and Ryan Tollstup, each sharing their work and perspectives on art.
Swain, who was featured in “Southwest Art Magazine” as a young artist to watch, discussed his journey in drawing and painting and made his Plaza +ART debut after a February snowstorm had postponed his previous appearance.
Sculptor Brimhall spoke about the evolving experience of interacting with three-dimensional art, noting how light and perspective can transform a viewer’s experience. Tollstup shared his philosophy on woodturning, emphasizing the beauty of natural imperfections and the grounding e ect of creating art by hand.
“Plaza +ART events like this inspire creativity and bring people together to appreciate the arts in such meaningful ways,” said Mayor Kristie Overson. “We
are so grateful for these wonderful evenings and are incredibly appreciative of the artists for taking the time to share their experiences.”
That night, attendees also enjoyed free wa es from local vendor Velo Wafel and had the chance to enter a ra e featuring artwork generously donated by the presenting artists, with tickets just $1 each. Be sure to follow Plaza +ART (@ PlazaPlusArt) on Facebook for information about the next Evening of Art and other upcoming events.
LEFT TO RIGHT: Bob Knudsen, Vice Chair (District 5), Curt Cochran, (District 2), Anna Barbieri, (District 3), Meredith Harker, Chair (District 4) and Ernest Burgess (District 1)
Veteran Detective Recognized for Steady, Compassionate Work
Check this space each month for news about the Taylorsville Police Department (TVPD) and their valuable service to our community.
Det. Barrett, a member of TVPD’s Violent Crimes Unit, brings more than 35 years of law enforcement and corrections experience to our community and is recognized as TVPD’s latest Employee of the Month.
Det. Barrett holds a bachelor’s degree in history and is a graduate of Utah’s Peace O cer Standards and Training Academy. Throughout his extensive career, he has served with Adult Probation and Parole, Salt Lake County Sheri ’s O ce, Uni ed Police Department, Veterans A airs Police Department and West Valley City Police Department. He joined Taylorsville Police Department in 2021.
Det. Barrett has also worked in a variety of specialty units, including corrections, patrol, property crimes, K-9, gang investigations and violent crimes. In addition to his decades of law enforcement service, he served for ve years in the U.S. Army.
It was Det. O’Neil who nominated Det. Barrett in recognition of his exceptional assistance on a case she led. She noted that Det. Barrett “has always been more than willing to assist with any case and in any capacity, however little it may seem.”
In a recent Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) case, Det. O’Neil requested that Det. Barrett speak with an individual who had been signi cantly impacted by the situation. She asked that he approach the conversation with sensitivity. Dets. Barrett and Tan not only conducted a compassionate and e ective interview, but they also discovered that the individual no longer felt safe in their home.
Det. Barrett immediately o ered to help retrieve the person’s belongings and transport them to a safe location. He went above and beyond his duties by ensuring the individual was relocated to a place where they felt secure while helping them connect with additional supportive resources.
Det. Tan shared a similar sentiment nearly a year ago, which speaks to Det. Barrett’s consistency and dedication. Det. Tan stated, “In my years of working with Det. Barrett, I have seen him perform his job in an exemplary manner at all times, with his performance often appearing automatic and e ortless — a clear indication of his vast experience and training.”
Det. Tan added that Det. Barrett “always does what it takes to get the job done in the spirit of helping families and victims obtain some type of solace and closure, though few of us will ever know what it truly feels like to lose a loved one in such a tragic manner.”
Det. Barrett’s long-standing service, professionalism and dedication make him a valued member of both TVPD and the community. In his downtime, he enjoys shing and quiet moments to recharge. Thank you, Det. Barrett, for your outstanding service!
safety this winter
DON’T GET A TICKET OR TOWED
Snow Season Reminders: What You Need to Know
Remember No Parking
With winter on the way, it’s a good time to review the guidelines that help keep our neighborhoods safe during snow season. The following city ordinances outline a few key responsibilities for residents. Also, see the accompanying ad for additional details: 14.20.105 — It is unlawful for any person to remove snow, ice or other material from a sidewalk or driveway and place or deposit it upon any city road or highway in a way that interferes with proper use, obstructs travel or endangers property or persons.
Corrective action: Snow and other debris must not be pushed or placed into the street. It must remain on your property and be disposed of properly. This is also essential for stormwater ow, as snow piles and debris can impede storm drains. 14.32.010 — It is the duty of each owner of real property abutting or fronting on any street, highway or alley to repair and maintain in good condition all public curbs, curb ramps, gutters and sidewalks across or immediately abutting their property.
Corrective action: All public curbs, curb ramps, gutters and sidewalks must be kept free of obstruction — including snow, ice and debris — to prevent hazards and ensure proper stormwater drainage.
Thank you for helping to keep our city safe and well-maintained this winter!
First-Ever Boo Dash Brings Autumn Fun to Taylorsville
Taylorsville’s inaugural Boo Dash drew costumed runners of all ages to a festive 2K route this fall, kicking o what city leaders hope will become a new Halloween tradition. Participants showed o everything from spooky masks to superhero capes as they made their way through the course at Valley Regional Park.
Mayor Kristie Overson said the community turnout for the Oct. 25 event exceeded expectations. “Seeing so many families and neighbors come together in such a fun, lighthearted way was wonderful,” she said.
“The Boo Dash captured the playful spirit of Halloween, and we are grateful to everyone who joined us.”
She also thanked the Parks and Recreation Committee for bringing the event to life. Organizers said they are already planning for Boo Dash 2026. Residents can watch for updates and registration information on the city’s website next fall.
Fall Festival Draws Crowds, Celebrates Community Spirit
Taylorsville residents packed the Taylorsville-Bennion Heritage Center for a lively Fall Festival lled with pumpkins, pie eating and family fun. The event, hosted by the Historic Preservation Committee, featured a pumpkin patch, autumn games, musical performances and the “Down on the Farm” quilt show.
Mayor Kristie Overson praised the committee for its work in bringing the community together. “Our Fall Festival captures everything we love about Taylorsville,” she said. “It is warm, welcoming and full of hometown charm. I am grateful to the Historic Preservation Committee for creating such a wonderful day.”
A major highlight of the Oct. 11 event was the ribbon cutting for the new SpencerWebster Learning Center. The interactive space showcases hands-on displays that share the story of how Taylorsville began.
Historic Preservation Committee Chair Susan Yadeskie said the addition will strengthen the center’s mission. “We are thrilled to open this new learning area,” she said. “It helps preserve our history in a way that invites everyone to explore it.”
You can see it and explore the museum during visiting hours, found online at www.taylorsvilleut.gov. Both are located at 1488 W. 4800 South.
Taylorsville Celebrates Talent at 2025 Art Show
Nearly 100 works from local artists lled the 2025 Taylorsville Art Show, presenting everything from paintings to sculptures at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. The event, hosted by the Taylorsville Arts Council and held Oct. 17 and 18, o ered residents the chance to experience the city’s creative spirit rsthand.
Mayor Kristie Overson praised the artists’ dedication. “The Art Show highlights the skill and imagination of Taylorsville’s talented residents,” she said. “It’s inspiring to see so many people engage with their work and support the arts.”
Arts Council Chair Susan Holman noted this year’s award winners: Erin Grimshaw earned the People’s Choice Award for “Labeled;” Nancy Henderson received the Arts Council Award for “Taylorsville Legacy;” Annie Holman captured the Mayor’s Award for “Billion of Bobbles the Gira e;” and Kellan Bitner won the Youth Council Award for “Blizzard Patrol.”
A highlight of the show was Kregg Clemens creating a painting onsite, which was ra ed o to lucky attendees. Organizers thanked all artists and visitors for making this year’s show a vibrant celebration of creativity in Taylorsville.
Arts Council Delivers Heartfelt Performance of ‘Quilters’ City of Taylorsville
The Taylorsville Arts Council earned high praise for its moving fall musical, “Quilters,” at the Mid-Valley Performing Arts Center. The show featured Vicki Bushnell as Sarah, joined by Heather Childs, Jessie Meyer, Kori Saunders, Lindsey Jarman, MacKenna Zumbrunnen and RyLee Burga.
Together, the cast portrayed stories of pioneer women with warmth and emotional depth, highlighting themes of strength, family and resilience. Mayor Kristie Overson commended the council for its incredible work.
“Our Arts Council continues to bring meaningful and beautifully crafted productions to the community,” she said. “‘Quilters’ was heartfelt and inspiring, and I am so grateful to the talented cast and crew who made this story truly shine on stage.”
Organizers thanked audiences for their support throughout the musical’s October run. The council encouraged residents to watch for future performances that showcase the arts and celebrate local talent. Find the latest details on their Facebook page, @TaylorsvilleArtCouncil.
Taylorsville Bennion Heritage REMEMBRANCES
Walter and Elma Wilson: Two ‘Ordinary’ Lives Well Lived
This month's article spotlights William Walter Wilson and Elma Sarah Boggess Wilson.
The following is a re ective personal history of William Walter Wilson and Elma Sarah Boggess Wilson, who described themselves as two simple, ordinary people:
William Walter Wilson was born on Aug. 6, 1930. He was the youngest and only boy, and the third child of Walter Robert and Clara Go Wilson in their 10th year of marriage. He was given his grandfather’s name but was always called by his middle name, Walter, or the shorter version “Walt.” His father remarried when Walter was 7 years old and his new mother “Aunt Paula” became a stabilizing force in his life. For the rst time in Walter’s life, he had a source of constancy and strength.
Walter went to school at Plymouth where his father had been school principal. Walter did not display any particular scholastic skills, but he nished his schooling with the support of his father and stepmother, who had been teachers of primary and secondary education.
Elma Sara Boggess was given the name of her maternal grandmother, Alma Sarah Boggess. She was born to Augustus and Rhoda Roselia Butter eld Boggess on Aug. 31, 1903. Elma was only 5 years old when her father died of in uenza on Feb. 5, 1920. She accepted her older brother, Ruel, as the head of the family from then. Circumstances of her youth were humble to say the least, and Elma grew up with few comforts of life.
Elma was close to her older sisters, from whom she learned many homemaking skills. Elma spent her youth growing up on the family farm located at 377 E. Linden Avenue in Lindon. As children, they played hide and seek with their cousins as well as the game ‘antie over, antie come back!’ Elma later became a mother and exceled in it with all of her homemaking skills that she learned from her family.
Don’t Miss These Library Events
The Taylorsville Library has planned several programs during the month of December. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these events:
HOLIDAY HOURS
Wednesday, Dec. 24 — All libraries close early at 2 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 25 — All libraries closed.
Wednesday, Dec. 31 — All libraries close early at 6 p.m.
Thursday, Jan. 1 — All libraries closed.
TAKE HOME CRAFT: SNOWFLAKE: — Monday, Dec. 1. Pick up a take home craft to make at home. While supplies last.
GINGERBREAD MATCH — Monday, Dec. 8, to Saturday, Dec. 13. Tis the season for gingerbread. Find a match and earn a small prize.
HOMESCHOOL "WHO WAS" BOOK CLUB — Monday, Dec. 8, 1 p.m. Learn about people and places with books from the 'Who Was' series. The group will talk about the book, learn cool facts and do other fun activities.
DECEMBER: “WHO WAS SITTING BULL?”
V IRTUAL LECTURE: C.S. LEWIS ON FAIRY-STORIES — Monday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m. C.S. Lewis rejected the idea that fairy tales were only for children, reimagining them as stories for all ages. Narnia became a playground for new ideas he explored. Register at: thecountylibrary.org/LectureSeries
The Taylorsville Senior Center has planned a variety of classes every month. Classes are free for those over age 60. Among the activities scheduled this month:
Nail Painting — Treat yourself to a little pampering at the senior center with free nail painting every rst and third Monday of the month from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Come relax, pick your favorite color and enjoy a fun, friendly atmosphere while your nails get a fresh new look. Bring a friend and make it a mini spa day; you deserve it!
the center’s full calendar
ANNUAL COLLECTION DAY
DECEMBER
UPDATES
Christmas Tree Collections and Reclamation
Did you know that Wasatch Front Waste & Recycling District diverted 36 tons of Christmas trees from land lls last holiday season?
WFWRD o ers Christmas tree removal for your post-holiday convenience. During the month of January, the district will begin picking up trees from residents who complete a request form on their website at www.wfwrdutah.gov. The request form will be available beginning Dec. 15.
To have your Christmas tree picked up, please ensure you remove all decorations and place your tree at the curb. Trees are typically collected the day after your regularly scheduled pickup day. Due to high demand, it may take more than one week to complete all requests.
• WFWRD only accepts real trees — no arti cial or ocked trees.
• Request a pickup by lling out the form at www.wfwrdutah.gov (starting Dec. 15).
• To be eligible for pickup, trees must be free of decorations, ornaments, lights and snow.
• Please place trees curbside, not in your waste or green bin.
Trees meeting the above requirements are delivered to Diamond Tree where they are chipped into clean mulch for redistribution throughout our community. Thank you for helping WFWRD keep the holidays green and sustainable!
Holiday Wrapping for a Greener Season
The holidays are a time for giving and nothing builds excitement quite like a beautifully wrapped gift. But that festive paper can create a surprising amount of waste. Each year, Americans use an estimated 4.6 million pounds of wrapping paper, and about half of it can’t be recycled because of metallic coatings, glitter or plastic lms.
Those shiny designs may look cheerful, but they’re made from mixed materials that can’t be separated during the recycling process. This year, make the season a little greener by choosing simple, paper-only wrapping without metallic coatings or plastic layers.
Looking for creative alternatives? Try brown craft paper, newspaper, old maps or your child’s artwork. After the gifts are opened, recycle clean, nonmetallic wrapping paper and keep ribbons, bows and glittered wrap out; they belong in the trash. A few thoughtful choices can help keep holiday cheer high and waste low.
Protect Your Pipes This Winter
As cold weather settles in, it’s important to protect your plumbing from freezing temperatures. Burst pipes can cause signi cant damage and lead to costly repairs. Here are a few simple steps to help prevent winter plumbing problems:
Insulate Exposed Pipes — Pipes located in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces, attics or exterior walls, should be properly insulated. For extra protection, consider wrapping them with electrical heating tape before adding insulation.
Check Outdoor Faucets — Inspect all exterior faucets (hose bibs) for leaks. Be sure to disconnect garden hoses and drain them completely to prevent freezing and damage.
Water Supply Safety for Vacant
Homes — If your home will be unoccupied for an extended period, turn o the main water supply valve inside. This precaution can help prevent major water damage if a leak occurs while you’re away.
Taking these small steps now can save you from the inconvenience and expense of plumbing repairs this winter.
Notice: Budget Public Hearing – Wednesday, Dec. 17, at 3 p.m. in the District O ce.
If you have any questions, please contact Taylorsville-Bennion Improvement District by calling 801-968-9081 or visiting www.tbid.org. Follow TBID on Facebook and X.
